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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. robmotl@uiuc.edu
Background:
Quality of life (QOL) is compromised among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Self-efficacy and physical activity have been positively associated with QOL in persons with MS, and based on a social cognitive perspective, the relationship between physical activity and QOL might be indirect and accounted for by self-efficacy.
Purpose:
We tested the hypothesis that physical activity would be indirectly associated with QOL through a pathway that included self-efficacy.
Methods:
Participants were 133 individuals with a definite diagnosis of MS who completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale.
Results:
Path analysis indicated that those with MS who were more physically active had greater self-efficacy for function and control, and self-efficacy for function and control were associated with greater physical and psychological components of QOL.
Conclusions:
Our findings support physical activity as a possible modifiable behavior for mitigating reductions of QOL by improving self-efficacy in individuals with MS.
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